A New Platform [Intro Post November]

[voidtreckermods]

On the Train

The morning after the Halloween party passengers are once again woken by a familiar voice.

"Good morning passengers, it is day one of the month of Imagination. Points have been updated on the system and new stock is available."

They have indeed and everyone can spend the morning shopping. Those who have been on the train a while will be expecting the second announcement that comes a few hours later.

"Shortly arriving into a designated void platform. Exit from void in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one." A lurch and a jolt and they are soon surrounded by the fog that means they are at a platform. But through the fog comes sunshine, causing patches where the light shines down to warm the concrete. Looking up passengers will not be able to see the sun through the fog, or much of the sky at all.

As usual the first to leave the train notice nothing as they walk silently, rucksacks on their backs, towards the barriers. Bryn Pendragon, Bucky Barnes, Colden Rollins, Elena, Fai D Flourite, Jiang Yanli, Juliette d'Aubigniy, Misa, Peter Parker, Samata Mahto, Satou Kuroneko, The Doctor, Tohru Mutou, Zuko, 10 Vigilant Gaze Purges The Horizon. They all walk silently and do not look back as they disappear through the barriers and into the fog beyond.

But on the platform itself there are new faces. Wearing hoodies in all four colours in various states of confusion.

For New Passengers

At first all they can see is steam. Billowing around them as they come to their senses. The second thing they will notice is the thick fog, penetrated by beams of light. As their eyes adjust they will see they are on a platform, behind them are a set of barriers and in front of them is a single track.

They are standing, in clothes that are not their own, styles they might not even recognise. They are carrying a rucksack on their back. For a moment it seems to just be them, alone in the white haze but then the steam begins to fade and they realise they aren’t alone.

The platform is not large and it holds five figures all facing the tracks, all dressed in cargo trousers and hoodies. Both left and right the tracks disappear into the mist. Then there is a roaring sound and out of the fog arrives a train. Jet black with gold writing on the side. The Voidtrecker Express. There is a hiss as the doors slide open and out into the gloom step a selection of people. Some are human, some are less so. Most are wearing the same hoodie in one of the four colours, red, orange, blue and purple though some are sporting different clothes in a variety of styles.

The Train

The doors hiss open. Those from the train may encourage those on the platform to board. It’s not like there is anywhere else to go and even if there was, you feel a pull. A need to board, a feeling that staying on the platform would not be a good thing. If that is not enough, there are plenty of people on the platform now, to encourage them onto the train.

Each ICP shows the same message and next to the screens there are stacks of leaflets written by those on the train, with further information. The store rooms have been restocked and Honey is the newest ingredient, jars of honey stock the shelves and the ICP's in the kitchen have recipe ideas for the month.

A new carriage has been added, those that go to investigate will find a small but function-able spa, complete with a small hot tub and even a steam room. It is a relaxing room with sun lamps and relaxing music or nature sounds available through the ICP. There are a couple of massage tables, with a course for how to give massages for those eager to learn.

New passengers will find their tickets allow them into their cabins. They may need to negotiate for beds, especially if they want a top bunk!

Room is tight but there are storage cubbies at the head of each bed, beds fold up and the bottom bunks double as benches for the small table. There is storage under those benches and you will hopefully find a pillow for your bed if it has not been nabbed by a roommate, there are also spare blankets for if it gets cold.

Departure

A second horn sounds to encourage any stragglers braving the snow and the doors slide shut. Veteran passengers know what will happen next, they may wish to brief their new companions.

The train sets off, the fog obscuring the view as it picks up speed.

"Welcome aboard, passengers of the Voidtrecker Express." A female-coded artificial sounding voice echoes throughout the train. "Please take the time to read the passenger information displayed on the Information and Communication points and familiarise yourself with the layout and emergency exits."

The train begins to tilt, leaving the ground and rising up into the fog filled sky.

"Entrance into Voidspace imminent. New passengers are advised to remain seated. Entry into Voidspace in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one."

A shudder, a jolt, a lurch to the left. A flash of light, colourful and blinding. As quick as it happens it is done. The train seems to steady. The fog from the windows is gone now, replaced with a kaleidoscope of ever changing colours.

Welcome to the Void!

Comments

Platform (And yes, she can peck him or sit on him and such.)

[hisblueskies]

For once Alfredo's put-together enough to try the whole greeting routine, only-

There are a lot more people leaving than arriving. Had that ever happened before?

... Well, it's not as if he'd be able to know for himself.

He'd make a nice perch for Dancer, though, as he takes in the peeking sun in whatever passes for a sky in this world.

Re: Platform (And yes, she can peck him or sit on him and such.)

[mtsilver_conquor]

And perch on him she does. She's seen this person on the train and from what she knows, he's nice? Or least, unlikely to shoo her away

He'll find Dancer's warm, but it will soon become apparent the oricorio is a mini-heater of a bird who thinks Alfredo is the perfect perch.

Re: Platform (And yes, she can peck him or sit on him and such.)

[hisblueskies]

Alfredo is immediately distracted from his platform investigations - not out of fear; indeed, once his surprise subsides he calms quite readily, but simply because he has no idea who this is.

"... Can you talk?"

He has to be sure, okay?

"You're welcome to stay."

He'll even offer the bird head-scritchings at once point.

[mtsilver_conquor]

No answer, but she's clearly tame, given how she leans into the head-scritchings with a quiet trill-coo like sound. That's some good scritchings right there, thank you very much.

[hisblueskies]

Alfredo again looks up, still giving those good good skritchens, seeing that the small squad of newbies has been thoroughly flooded with greetings. Among them are some with the familiar Blue of his own team (maybe he'll have an easier time meeting them later?), but the only other color present is Orange.

The combination, or perhaps the size, made it all seem strangely lonely.

He sighs, perhaps not belying much of his thinking, but his somber mood despite his new companion is easy enough to pick up.

[mtsilver_conquor]

And Dancer will happily soak all of them up - and be a mini-heater, as the longer she remains where she is, the warmer he'll become. Not that hot, but it is noticeable her body temperature runs warmer than normal.

Alfredo may spot Eva amongst the throng of people, but it's clear she's not really paying too much attention -if any- to what her pokemon's doing.

She's too busy enjoying being off the train.

[hisblueskies]

Alfredo does not quite realize whose trainer Eva is - or even necessarily that Dancer must have one - but he does start pacing about to vent the excess heat.

The warming platform is not precisely a help, here.

"... You're not a creature of fire, are you? You're quite warm."

Still gently petting the oricolo; longer strokes from the top of her head down her back.

[mtsilver_conquor]

no answer, though she does coo contentedly, beck tucked down towards her chest to show off a longer than expected neck.

It's the pacing that'll catch Eva's attention.

"Try and get to move down to your hand or forearm at least," she says as way from greeting. "That should help with the heat build-up at least.

[hisblueskies]

Alfredo whirls around at the voice, startled.

It does seem to be good advice, though, so he asks Dancer:

"Could you move down my arm some, please? I can still reach you fine from there, honest."

After that, his focus redirects to the newcomer.

"I take it you know her - does she have a name?"

After a moment, he adds, "May I have yours, for that matter? I'm Alfredo."

[mtsilver_conquor]

It takes a few seconds, but Dancer slowly moves down Alfredo's arm. She does seem a bit sulky, but soon all is forgiven; mostly because of the pettings.

"I do," Eva grins. "Iden'no Eva, and that's Dancer- one of my pokemon and my only flier."

Right now that is, but as soon as she can, she is going to get either Deefa or Wingthing. Or Tanknator. Or all of them.

[hisblueskies]

Alfredo is working hard to earn birb loyalty, here!

Well, birb approval. His shoulders relax a little, letting some built up heat-tension leak.

"Dancer? I've met digimon, but not so much pokemon yet."

Alfredo tries his best to execute a polite bow without disturbing the bird on his arm.

"It is nice to meet you, though- Eva, right?- all the same. I'm Alfredo Martini."

[mtsilver_conquor]

There's no reaction to the bow from Dancer, the bird well used to the movement.

"Yeah, Eva, and same." Eva returns the bow with one of her own, tucking hair back behind a shoulder as she rises. "The main difference between them is that Digimon are sapient and can talk, while pokemon aren't and can't. Don't get me wrong; Dancer's plenty smart, but it's not people level smart."

[hisblueskies]

Alfredo nods, a small smile coming to his face.

"That would be like saying dogs couldn't be friends, either. We aren't all made the same, and that's okay."

Extra scritches for Dancer! Though she might be getting bored now, with her trainer near...?

It's not like Alfredo knows.

[mtsilver_conquor]

"True that," Eva says with a grin as she watches Dancer soak up the attention.

"I think she likes you enough she'll stay like that for a while. But, I can coax her back to me if you'd rather?"

[hisblueskies]

Alfredo thinks it over - lets himself really think, rather than just give an answer that would make her happy.

"... I think I'll be fine until we're back on the train," he decides, firmly and happily.

[mtsilver_conquor]

"Then should I leave you to it?" Eva asks with a grin. "Once you're back on the train, it's likely she'll take off to find me, anyway."

Or find an out of the way perch, but that's basically the same thing as far as Eva's concerned.

[hisblueskies]

"Well, if I end up in the kitchens..."

Alfredo trails off, hoping that statement can explain himself.

Or, at the least, entertain Dancer!

[mtsilver_conquor]

Eva grins and shakes her head.

"Don't worry about that; her diet's naturally restricted and she's never shown interest in anything outside it."

[hisblueskies]

Alfredo looks just a bit surprised at that, but he nods.

"All right, then. Let's- let's go see if any of the new passengers need help, then."

Wrap?

[mtsilver_conquor]

"Alright! Take care, both of you."